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Archives 2002 - 2003

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2004-2005 | 2003-2004 | 2002-2003

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The Banff New Media Institute (BNMI) has been engaged in research initiatives in human-centered interface design, specifically in the fields of advanced visualization and collaborative tools and environments. This work explores the full human body as a creative and interpretive instrument. As a part of Research at the BNMI we develop tools, search engines, and data-based research that enable individuals and groups to find and analyze data and to collaborate over networks. In 2002, The Banff Centre worked closely with the following academic institutions: University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, Technical University of British Columbia, University of California DARnet, University of Southern California, New York University, the SMART Lab Centre (UK), (b)ENCART (Europe), Universidade Do Vale Do Rio Dos Sinos, and Universidade Caxias Do Sol. The BNMI works with government and industry partners as well as research institutions.

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2002 - 2003 Projects:

The Human-Centered Interface Project (HCIP)

Funded by the Alberta Science and Research Authority, the Human-Centered Interface Project (HCIP) was a research project in advanced visualization: the conversion of data into forms that are meaningful to humans. It brought together the creative expertise of scientists, engineers, and artists to explore “emotional computing”: new, multi-sensory ways in which narrative, emotion, interpretation, and cognition can inform the design and use of interfaces.

A Pilot High Bandwidth Asynchronous/Synchronous Distance Education System in Rural Canada

BNMI has been researching the impacts of distance collaboration through this Social Sciences Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)-funded project that was led by the University of Alberta. Its aim was to create virtual learning environment classrooms.

Out of the Box

BNMI benefited from a SSHRC grant dedicated to finding new collaborative, peer-to-peer methods of exchange and cross-disciplinary dialogue. The Banff method emerged from this research.

New Media Innovation Centre

The infrastructure created for Banff research projects is instrumental for the creation of a New Media Incubator to support new media companies from Alberta and elsewhere from the start-up to the commercialization stage. BNMI has been working with the National Research Council (NRC) and the Province of Alberta to create an environment capable of supporting the transformation of research into prototypes and eventually, product. Funding through NRC began in 2002-2003.

The SMART Lab Centre (UK)

BNMI’s interest in collaborative research and collaboration tools (HCIP) stems in part from its long experience with performance-based content. In partnership with the prestigious London Institute’s the SMART Lab Centre, BNMI researched the role and potential of network-based performance, location-based experience, and learning. The Banff New Media Institute partnered with the SMART Lab Centre to create a number of events in the UK, Europe, and North America.

(b)ENCART

The Banff Centre became a partner of the European media group ENCART, the European Network for Cyberart, in its endeavour to create an international collaborative work environment using high bandwidth network connections. The desire of the group was to use broadband technology for interactive communication and not only for transportation of huge volumes of data. ENCART includes a shared knowledge repository and a shared prototyping zone.